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Dallas,
TX – April 2024 / NewsmakerAlert:
Fuzzy’s
Taco Shop®, the fast-casual-plus restaurant serving Mexican favorites
with a splash of Baja, announces that Patrick Kirk – previously Vice President
of Bar and Beverage for Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar® – has
joined the brand’s Leadership Team as Chief Marketing Officer. In his new
role, Kirk will continue to define the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop experience as
he develops and delivers strategic direction across all aspects of marketing
including advertising, digital marketing, and culinary and beverage innovation.
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“Over
the past eight years, Patrick has disrupted the casual dining industry
through stand out marketing campaigns at Applebee’s,” says Paul
Damico, President of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. “His ability to create strategic
platforms and forge strong brand and franchisee partnerships with a focus
on creating buzzworthy and fun guest experiences is undeniable. I look
forward to the new expertise and creative thinking he’ll bring to our talented
team.”
With
more than 23 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Kirk was responsible
for creating industry-leading beverage programs and building trusted relationships
at national brands, including Applebee’s, Tony Roma’s, and Buffalo Wild
Wings. In his previous role, Kirk led the vision and strategy for Applebee’s
bar and beverage experience across restaurants nationwide, growing his
marketing department into a substantial revenue driver for the business.
“I
love Fuzzy’s badass attitude and strong values,” says Patrick
Kirk, Chief Marketing Officer of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. “After Dine Brands
acquired Fuzzy’s in 2022, I’ve had the chance to get to know the team and
have been impressed by the way the brand brings its Baja vibe to life and
connects with guests. I can’t wait to dive in further with the team to
unlock the brand’s marketing potential.”
Kirk
currently is a member of Millennium Advisory Board, a collection of industry
leaders helping shape the future of on-premise beverage. He has also served
on other industry councils including the VIBE Conference and the Bar &
Nightclub Expo. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree and graduated
with honors from the University of Illinois.
For
more information about Fuzzy’s Taco Shop or for a full list of locations,
please visit www.FuzzysTacoShop.com.
About
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Founded
in 2003 in Fort Worth, Texas, Fuzzy’s
Taco Shop® is a fast-casual-plus restaurant serving Mexican favorites
with a splash of Baja. The laid-back atmosphere pairs perfectly with signature
Baja-style tacos, famous chips and queso, and icy-cold beverages always
served at a chill price. As of December 31, 2023, 44 franchise groups operated
131 Fuzzy’s restaurants in 18 states within the United States and we had
one company-owned restaurant in Texas, totaling 132 restaurants. Fuzzy’s
Taco Shop restaurants are franchised by affiliates of Pasadena, Calif.-based
Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN). For franchising information, visit
www.MyFuzzys.com. Connect with us
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About
Dine Brands Global, Inc.
Based
in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands
Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries and franchisees,
supports and operates restaurants under the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill
+ Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® brands. As of December
31, 2023, these three brands consisted of over 3,500 restaurants across
18 international markets. Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service
restaurant companies in the world and in 2022 expanded into the Fast Casual
segment. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company’s website
located at www.DineBrands.com.
Media
Contact:
Allie
Lesiuk
Strauss
PR
214-352-6700
(office)
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